Bill to Restrict Use of Alternative Public Works Contracting

HB 1690 would clearly establish the intent of the Washington State Legislature with respect to the use of alternative public works contracting procedures by public agencies. Specifically, the bill would require that "public bodies that want to use an alternative public works contracting procedure may use only those procedures...specifically authorized in chapter 39.10. RCW."

The bill appears to be a response by the Legislature to the University of Washington's use of a developer model contracting procedure, adopted through a new Washington Administrative Code section (WAC 478-350), for the renovation of Husky Stadium.

The bill would specifically restrict the use by institutions of higher education (and other public agencies) in using alternative public works contracting procedures not specifically authorized by the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) and the Legislature.

There will be a public hearing on the bill on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 before the House State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee, at 1:30 p.m.